The holidays are officially in the rearview. The lights are down, the champagne flutes are dry, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day has just passed.
Welcome to the "Tuesday of Winter."
It’s easy to feel a little let down by the quiet this week. The adrenaline of the new year is fading, and the gray days are setting in. But, any gardener in Northern Colorado knows that this is actually when the most important work happens.
It’s root season.
While the branches look bare, the energy is moving underground, stabilizing and strengthening the foundation for what comes next. That’s the theme for this week’s issue: Roots & Reach. We’re looking at the actual roots of our history (sugar beets!), the literal roots in our gardens (native seeds!), and the way we reach out to steady our neighbors.
It might look quiet out there, but we’re just getting started. Let's dig in.
– Megan
The Sweet Roots of the Sugar Empire
Farmers drop off sugar beet crops in Fort Collins, 1910.
If you dig deep enough in Northern Colorado, you eventually hit sugar.
In the early 1900s, Charles Boettcher didn’t just plant a crop; he built an industrial machine. The Great Western Sugar Company became the heartbeat of our region, stitching towns like Loveland, Greeley, and Fort Collins together with the steel threads of the Great Western Railway.
But the “Gold of the Earth” required immense labor.
During harvest season, the air around the factories hung heavy — sweet and sour at once — while steam rose off beet piles and thick mud clung to boots and wagon wheels. The work was relentless.
The industry spurred waves of migration that defined our demographics. First came the Germans from Russia, followed by Hispanic families from New Mexico and Mexico. These communities did the backbreaking work of thinning and topping beets, eventually settling here and weaving their traditions into the fabric of the High Plains.
These families put down the roots that grew into the vibrant, diverse culture we have today.
While the factories in Fort Collins and Brighton went dark decades ago, the legacy hasn’t faded — it just evolved. The colossal plant in Fort Morgan is still steaming, now run by the Western Sugar Cooperative, meaning the industry is no longer ruled by tycoons, but owned by the local growers themselves.
The factories may be closed, but the legacy endures in both our skyline and our pantries. So next time you drive past those old silos or reach for a bag of GW Sugar, remember: this region was built on sugar, sweat, and the resilience of those who harvested it.
Sugar Beets!
Working the fields
Fort Collins sugar beet factory, 1906.
Loveland CreatorSpace:
Making Makers in the Sweetheart City
Why We Love Them:
The Access: Ever wanted to use a laser cutter, a pottery wheel, huge woodworking saws, or a 3D printer, but didn't have the cash (or the garage space) to buy one? This non-profit maker-space is a library for tools.
The Knowledge: It’s not just a rental shop. It’s a community of retired engineers, artists, and tinkerers. If you don't know how to weld, someone there probably wants to teach you.
The Vibe: Located near the railroad tracks in Loveland, it feels like a true workshop — gritty, creative, and welcoming. It’s a "third space" where you build things, not just buy things.
How to Support:
Set up a tour anytime Monday-Friday 11:00am-4:00pm. (Just FYI, Member access is 24/7!) Go take a look, or sign up for a specific class to learn a new skill this winter.
The Art of the Board (and the Sunshine Law)
We talk a lot about voting in November, but the decisions that actually shape your neighborhood — park designs, library books, zoning — happen on Tuesday nights.
They happen on Boards, Commissions, and City Councils.
And here is the best kept secret in local civics: You don’t have to join the board to be in the room.
Thanks to Colorado’s Open Meetings Law (aka the "Sunshine Law"), the doors to these meetings must be unlocked for you. You don't need an invite. You don't need to be an expert. You don't even need to speak.
Three ways to participate:
The Observer: Just walk in and watch. It’s fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) to see how the sausage is made.
The Speaker: Most councils have a "Public Comment" period where you can have your say, though you usually need to sign up in advance.
The Volunteer: Want to go a step further? Most towns rely on residents to sit on advisory boards. It’s not glamorous — it involves reading agendas and drinking lukewarm coffee — but it is the absolute root system of local democracy.
The Move: Go to your town’s website and search "Agenda Center" or "Boards and Commissions." Find a topic that piques your interest — maybe a new bike trail or a downtown development — and just show up. Democracy belongs to those who are in the room.
The Warmth Keepers: Homeward Alliance
When the temperature drops below freezing, "comfort" becomes a survival issue.
We want to highlight Homeward Alliance, a regional powerhouse that operates the Murphy Center in Fort Collins and coordinates aid across the county. They don’t just offer shelter; they offer gear.
The Good News: Last year, this community distributed thousands of items of winter gear to neighbors experiencing homelessness.
The Ask: Check your closet. Do you have a heavy coat, waterproof gloves, or boots that you haven't worn since 2023?
The Native Seed Hunt
It is currently freezing outside. You can’t dig. But you can shop!
Here is the golden rule of High Plains gardening: Don’t buy your seeds from a box store that tests them in New Jersey.
Our native plants (Penstemons, Columbines, Coneflowers) actually need winter. They require a process called stratification — periods of cold and damp — to trigger germination. If you buy local seeds now and get them in the dirt (or in pots outside), the cold weather does the work for you.
Where to buy the good stuff:
Pawnee Buttes Seed Inc. (Greeley): The real deal for pasture, reclamation, and native grasses. If you need to cover a lot of ground, go here.
Bath Garden Center & Nursery (Fort Collins): They stock Beauty Beyond Belief (a Loveland-based seed company!) and have a dedicated "Habitat Hero" section for pollinators.
Gulley Greenhouse (Fort Collins): Look for their Plant Select varieties. These are plants specifically bred and tested to survive the "Hell Strip" between the sidewalk and the street in our climate.
The Windsor Gardener (Windsor): A go-to for Botanical Interests seeds (based in Broomfield), plus they have the best selection of indoor seed-starting gear if you aren't ready to brave the cold.
Where to swap and share:
4th Annual Community Seed Swap (Niwot): Saturday, Jan 24, 11 am–1 pm @ Niwot Market (Hosted by the Garden Club + People & Pollinators). Bring seeds or just your curiosity! Donation suggested.
19th Annual Seed Swap & Giveaway (Fort Collins): Saturday, March 7, 10 am–12 pm @ Old Town Library. Hosted by Home Grown Food; swap seeds and chat with Master Gardeners.
Action Step: Buy one packet of "Rocky Mountain Penstemon" this week. Read the back. If it says "requires cold stratification," put the packet in the fridge or sow them in a pot outside right now.
From Berthoud in the south to the Wyoming state line up north, Fort Morgan in the east to Estes out west, each week we will to pull together a list of the top events happening all over Northern Colorado.
January 20-26, 2026
Featured Event
Estes Park Skijor Weekend — Jan. 23–25 (Estes Park) — Saddle up for one of the coolest winter spectacles around: skijoring — where horses, riders, and skiers blaze down a snowy course with gates, jumps, and obstacles in a blend of Rocky Mountain grit and cowboy speed. Cheer on competitors racing for cash, prizes, and bragging rights at the Estes Park Events Complex, explore the Mountain Shop Warming Hut Expo, and enjoy family-friendly fun zones and local food trucks between races.
👉 Feel the snowy thunder!
Tuesday, 20th
Nature, Art, and Service as Medicine (Online) — 12 PM (Red Feather Lakes) — Jump into a midday virtual author talk with journalist Julia Hotz on how movement, nature, art, service, and belonging can act like real medicine in our lives — based on her book The Connection Cure. 👉 Register & get connected!
Amplify AI: A Northern Colorado AI Summit @ Embassy Suites — 7:30AM to 4PM (Loveland) — Curious how AI is reshaping work right now? This half-day summit brings together businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders to explore practical, ethical uses of AI. Hot plated breakfast included. 👉Amplify your AI savvy!
Open Mic @ Ed’s Cantina & Grill — 5 to 8 PM (Estes Park) — This welcoming weekly open mic brings local voices and instruments together in a fun, community jam hosted by Jon Pickett. 👉 Sing, strum, or just chill!
Wednesday, 21st
Lunch-N-Learn: Every Set of Financials Tells a Story @ Loveland Chamber — 11:30AM to 1PM (Loveland) — This practical lunch-and-learn breaks down how to read financial statements with clarity and confidence — helping business owners and leaders spot trends, ask better questions, and make smarter decisions without needing an accounting degree. Lunch included.👉 Read between the lines!
Magic Rat Live Music & Film Showcase Season 2: Disclosure @ The Elizabeth Hotel — 7 PM (Fort Collins) — Film meets stage in this season-launching showcase. Expect live musical elements woven with compelling visuals and community vibes at Elizabeth’s rooftop venue. 👉Watch & groove!
Winter 2026 Putters & Pints Mini Golf League @ Old Town Putt — 6 PM (Fort Collins) — Putt through winter in this weekly league blending mini golf with craft brews and friendly competition. Whether you’re a scorekeeper or just in it for the laughs, it’s a fun way to warm up the week and make new pals putt by putt. 👉Swing, sip, repeat!
Thursday, 22nd
Intro to Mushrooms: Uses, Benefits & How to Grow @ Orion’s Apothecary & Mushrooms — 11 AM to 12 PM (Loveland) — This beginner-friendly class covers common varieties, their potential benefits, and the basics of growing your own at home.👉 Grow your mushroom know-how!
Beginning Ukulele @ Wildfire Community Arts Center — 5:30PM to 6:30PM (Berthoud) — Always wanted to strum a uke? This friendly, small-group class covers tuning, basic chords, and simple strumming patterns, with songs chosen by the group. 👉Strum your first chord!
An Evening with STS9 @ Washington’s — 8 PM (Fort Collins) — Instrumental electronic jam innovators STS9 take over the stage with cosmic grooves and live improvisation — a transcendent sonic journey from start to finish. 👉Get your groove on!
UpDating @ Aggie Theatre — 8 PM (Fort Collins) — Laugh and love in real time! This critically-acclaimed New York City-based live dating & comedy show brings two singles on blindfolded first dates in front of live audiences. 👉Date night, reimagined!
Local Bluegrass Pick @ Twin Owls Steakhouse at Taharaa Mountain Lodge — 6:30PM to 9PM (Estes Park) — Pull up a seat for rotating local bluegrass pickers and cozy mountain vibes while you dine under the Rockies. 👉 Tap your boots
Thirsty Thursday feat. Athletic Non-Alcoholic Beer @ The Barrel — 1 PM to 9 PM (Estes Park) — Who says Dry January has to be dull? Sip flavorful non-alcoholic brews while you hang out in this laid-back downtown beer garden. 👉Cheers without the buzz
Downtown Loveland’s 5th Annual Mac & Cheese Melt-Off — 6 to 9PM (Loveland) — Downtown restaurants go spoon-to-spoon in this beloved comfort-food throwdown where you help decide whose mac reigns supreme. 👉Say cheese & dig in!
Friday, 23rd
Skijour Weekend Special @ Bogey’s Sport Bar — FRI, SAT, SUN, 5 to 10PM (Estes Park) — Saddle up after the Skijør races (or just the workday) for weekend specials at Bogey’s — cowboy hats earn free drafts, and the vibes are as warm as your après stories. 🍻👉Hats on, beers up!
DeadFloyd @ Aggie Theatre — 8PM (doors at 7) (Fort Collins) — Jam fusion meets classic rock heritage! DeadFloyd combines the iconic catalogs of Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd into an unpredictable, high-energy tribute experience that keeps fans guessing (and dancing). 👉Two legends, one show
Winter Hike: The Pool @ Estes Park Visitor Center — 9:30AM (Estes Park) — Head into snowy Rocky Mountain National Park for a guided winter trek along Fern Lake Trail to The Pool, with snowshoe or micro-spike help included. Perfect for adventurers 16+ who love a scenic challenge in the quiet white woods.
👉Hit the snowy trail
Jon Pickett (Chain Station) @ The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern — 5 to 8PM (Estes Park) — Kick off the weekend with soulful originals and creative covers from Jon Pickett — singer, songwriter, upright bassist, and driving force behind Chain Station — as he takes the Rock Inn stage for an evening of live mountain-town music. 👉Rock out with Jon!
Business Club of Colorado Coffee Networking @ Desk Chair Workspace — 9 to 10AM (Loveland) — Start your morning with caffeine and connection. 👉Pour, sip, connect
A Brother’s Fountain @ Washington’s — 7:30 PM (Fort Collins) — Roots-rich folk meets anthemic sing-along energy! Colorado’s own A Brother’s Fountain brings its campfire-folk spirit to Washington’s — think tight harmonies, honest songwriting, and mountain soul on stage. 👉Campfire vibes, live!
Improv Comedy Night with The Comedy Brewers @ The Well — 7 PM to 9 PM (Wellington) — Let go of the week with high-energy improv where everything is made up on the spot from audience suggestions. Your ticket includes a draft pour or NA option, and the laughs are on tap. 🍺 👉Get your giggle on!
Saturday, 24th
Live Music – Ben Pu @ The Tavern at Marr’s Mountain Cabins & Tavern — 7 to 9 PM (Red Feather Lakes) — One of The Tavern’s fan-favorite pickers returns for a Saturday night of fiery guitar and laid-back mountain vibes. 👉Catch the live strum!
Sarah Minto-Sparks @ The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern — 5 PM to 8 PM (Estes Park) — Kick back with country-folk guitar and songs that feel like a fireside chat with an old friend. 👉 Tap your toes here!
Whitey Morgan & The 78s @ The Stanley Hotel Concert Hall — 7 PM to 10 PM (Estes Park) — Catch these gritty, soulful roots-rock on tour for a night of honky-tonk grit and classic twang. 21+ show with real country spirit. 👉Get your boots on!
Tank and The Bangas @ Washington’s — 8 PM (Fort Collins) — Grammy-winning New Orleans funk, soul, and hip-hop infusion! This high-energy crew spins genre-bending grooves that’ll have you moving all night long. 👉 Feel the funk!
Jammy Buffet @ Aggie Theatre — 8 PM (Fort Collins) — This Buffett-meets-jam fusion outfit channels sunny singalongs, laid-back grooves, and improvisational magic — perfect for anyone craving a beach-minded night in NOCO. 👉Sunshine soundtracks!
Rocky Mountain Auld Lang Syne @ Holiday Inn Estes Park — 6 PM to 11 PM (Estes Park) — Hosted by Hogback Distillery, this winter celebration honors Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns with traditional food (think haggis, neeps & tatties), whisky-friendly fare, music, dance, poetry, and good company as the bagpipes lead you into the night. Reservations are recommended. 👉Toast the old times!
Sunday, 25th
Residency Concert w/ Russick Smith & Friends @ Fort Collins — 7 PM (Fort Collins) — Cozy up for a night of soulful originals and dynamic ensemble sounds as Russick Smith brings his “friends” to a local residency set. Think heartfelt tunes, spontaneous jams, and a warm community crowd. 👉Hear the harmony
Air Plant Mounting Class @ Bath Garden Center — 12 PM (Loveland) — Learn how to mount air plants (no soil required) onto fun bases while picking up care tips and styling ideas. Great for gifts or spring inspiration. 👉Mount with style
Mexican Street Food Night @ Ginger and Baker — 5 PM to 8 PM (Fort Collins) — This special dinner collab serves up classic Mexican street-food favorites alongside Ginger and Baker’s local bakery vibes — perfect for weeknight spice. 👉 Taste the street eats
Monday, 26th
BuzzWords @ Loveland Public Library — 6:30 PM to 8 PM (Loveland) — This informal nonfiction beer-and-book discussion (for adults) pairs lively talk with thoughtful reads in a laid-back meet-up spirit. 👉Sip & chat smart
